A few days later, the camp was dismantled, supplies were loaded, and the group of people began to move. Soon, they set out on a new long journey. But before that, there was one more thing to do.
The group arrived at a nearby hill, filled with a great deal of rusted weaponry, just like the Sword Hill outside Castle Morne—a place of mourning for those who had died in the Eclipse and along the way.
This was an idea Rickert had come up with half a year ago. Everyone thought it was a good one, so they had indeed built such a cemetery here. When they left, they naturally had to bid farewell to their companions.
The atmosphere was a little oppressive and sad. Everyone couldn't help but recall the tragic scenes when they had gone to clean up the bodies.
"By the way, this was a year ago." Guts's voice faded into the wind.
Everyone understood what Guts meant. The Eclipse had occurred on this very day last year, exactly the same day. And they had decided to set out again today. It was quite mysterious.
"I have a suggestion." Judeau held a piece of grass in his mouth and took it out as he spoke. "You should no longer use the name 'Hawk Company.' It's a blasphemy against them."
Everyone nodded silently, understanding perfectly well. The reason the "Hawk Company" was called the "Hawk Company" was that everything in the mercenary group revolved around Griffith.
However, now that they had effectively broken with Griffith, and they were going to try to free the souls of their companions sacrificed during the Eclipse, it was no longer the time to use "Hawk Company."
So what name would be best?
Everyone first looked at Nidhogg.
Nidhogg shook his head and pointed at Guts and Casca, who was holding Frodo. "You are the core that supports this group of people. The hardships of the past two years are unimaginable. So it's appropriate for you to name them."
Everyone thought about Casca's exhaustion, Guts's dangerous return, and then remembered that no one had lost morale over the past year. This was achieved with the invisible relief of the two. So everyone agreed.
"Come on, don't refuse." Pippin, who was always silent, spoke up.
Guts and Casca couldn't refuse, so they had to agree. But Guts couldn't think of a suitable name. In the end, it fell to Casca.
Casca thought for a moment, looked at this Spirit Tree Forest, and said, "Why not call it the 'Spirit Tree Company'? To commemorate this spirit and the Spirit Tree Forest that has sheltered us for so long."
Everyone thought about it and nodded one after another, thinking it was indeed fine.
Flora, Schierke, and Ivalera were nearby. None of the residents objected. In fact, they were glad that everyone could name this place.
Thus, the new name of their mercenary group was born—the "Spirit Tree Company."
After the memorial service, everyone returned to the carriages and prepared to leave.
Besides the master and apprentice Flora and Ivalera, there were also Farnese, Azan, Serpico, and Morgan.
The Spirit Tree had been destroyed. After they had reconciled, Nidhogg was no longer afraid that the three, including Farnese, would reveal their whereabouts. So he no longer detained them and gave them the freedom to leave.
Of course, Nidhogg wanted them to come along.
Upon learning that they were heading west to the sea, Azan and Serpico tried to persuade Farnese to return to the Holy City.
It's just that they also yearned for the end of this path in their hearts, and they couldn't forget the adventure of traveling with Nidhogg. So when they persuaded Farnese, they only made a tentative effort.
At the same time, Farnese had just tasted the sweetness of magic. The feeling of spirit projection made her happier than ever. Where could she let go now?
As for the teachings of the Holy See, alas, everyone had forgotten to mention them—whether they were true or false.
Farnese stubbornly insisted on following. Azan and Serpico had no choice. And naturally, no one would object. Schierke, as her little teacher, was even happier.
As for Morgan, his wounds had mostly healed.
It's just that he had no relatives in the Village of Irog and had been alone for half his life. Now, seeing Miss Flora, Nidhogg, and other familiar people leaving, he asked to come along.
"I don't have your powerful strength or magic. But when it comes to farming and feeding a group of people, I might be useful."
Thus, the large and small mounted convoy solemnly left the Spirit Tree Forest and headed west.
Since the goal of this trip was the Island of Fairies, Puck sat proudly in the front carriage, directing the route. He felt, of course, that no one was listening to him.
Father Irog and the other villagers of Irog stood on a hilltop, silently watching their departure and praying for them.
More than a month later.
After a long journey with many stops and starts, the caravan finally arrived at the west coast and approached Vritannis—the largest trading port in the entire Holy See's sphere.
Here, one could already see the turbulent sea. They had to face a practical problem: gathering several ships capable of carrying over a hundred people, as well as a group of experienced captains and sailors to put to sea.
These were not so easy to obtain with just money.
"If you need these..." Farnese hesitated, but still said, "Perhaps I have a way. Let me and Serpico go into the city tomorrow."
Both Azan and Serpico knew why.
Because Vritannis was the largest trading city. The industry of the Vandimion family was naturally distributed here. It was even one of the most important key areas.
Farnese and Serpico's father, Federigo, known as the "Master of the Scales," had been absent from the mansion in the Holy City for many years. He must be patrolling the family's domains, such as Vritannis.
"It's too dangerous for you two to go alone." Nidhogg said. "I'll go with you. The rest will stay outside the city and wait for our news."
At this moment, Judeau interjected: "In that case, I'll go with you too. If there are special circumstances, and you need to stay in the city, I can leave the city and deliver a message on my behalf."
Farnese thought for a while. Her father might not necessarily be in Vritannis. If she and Serpico came to the door with the Vandimion family token, they might not be trusted, and could be arrested as impostors.
Thus, having Nidhogg and Judeau by their side would indeed be a guarantee.
So Farnese agreed.
The Spirit Tree Company set up camp in the wilderness outside Vritannis.
Nidhogg, Farnese, Serpico, and Judeau calmly headed towards Vritannis after a night's rest.
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